CD Projekt Red Confirms Ciri as Protagonist for The Witcher 4

Fans of the acclaimed fantasy saga are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series, as CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has hinted at a release window for The Witcher 4. While the studio has not officially announced the date, industry insights suggest that the game could launch in 2027. This anticipated return to The Continent follows the monumental success of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which solidified CDPR’s reputation as a leader in role-playing game development.

CDPR is embarking on an ambitious new trilogy, referred to as the Polaris saga, which aims to deliver three titles within a six-year timeframe. During a financial briefing in November 2025, Michał Nowakowski, co-CEO of CDPR, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to this timeline, confirming that development for The Witcher 4 commenced in November 2024. This aligns with the typical five-year development cycle for major open-world RPGs.

The studio’s financial planning has helped narrow down the release window. CDPR clarified that Polaris would not debut before 2027, effectively ruling out a 2026 release. Piotr Nielubowicz, the Chief Financial Officer, noted that the game would fall outside the company’s incentive program ending in December 2026, further indicating that CDPR anticipates no revenue from The Witcher 4 until at least 2027.

New Protagonist and Narrative Direction

In a significant shift for the series, Ciri will take on the role of the main protagonist in The Witcher 4. This marks a departure from Geralt, who has been the central character in previous titles. Ciri’s storyline will follow the ‘best’ ending from The Witcher 3, where she survives and takes up the witcher path. The voice actor for Ciri has changed; Ciara Berkeley will replace Jo Wyatt, who voiced the character in previous games.

Set a few years after the events of The Witcher 3, the game will primarily explore the uncharted northern regions of Kovir and Poviss. These areas are known for their wealth, canals, and mountainous landscapes, affording the developers an opportunity to introduce new schools of witchers and fresh storylines. A teaser revealed a medallion resembling a feline, which hints at the new School of the Lynx, likely established by Ciri.

Though Geralt will not be the main character, CDPR has confirmed that he will still appear in the game. This decision allows the developers to honor the legacy of the former protagonist while introducing new perspectives and narratives.

Technological Advances and Ambitious Goals

The transition to Unreal Engine 5 is a crucial factor in the development of The Witcher 4. CDPR has invested nearly four years in mastering this new technology, moving away from their in-house REDengine. This shift enables the studio to leverage advanced tools, which should streamline the design process and enhance the overall quality of the game. Early demonstrations of the technology showcased stunning visuals, fluid movements, and realistic lighting, indicative of the game’s potential.

The combination of a new protagonist, cutting-edge technology, and a structured release plan positions The Witcher 4 as a promising entry in the franchise. As CD Projekt Red forges ahead with this new chapter set in the icy northern realms, fans can expect a game that not only builds on the rich lore of the series but also embraces innovative gameplay elements.

With the anticipated release now projected for 2027, players are left with much to look forward to as CDPR continues to develop what promises to be a captivating continuation of The Witcher saga.